# Rikke Madsen

Rikke Marie Madsen (born 9 August 1997) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Women's Super League club Everton and the Denmark national team.

## Early life

Madsen was born in Varde, Denmark. She started to play soccer when she was around five years old, but never dreamed of ever becoming a professional player. Madsen grew up in a 'sporty' family, where multiple of her family members participated in sports at fairly high levels.

## Club career
### Vålerenga, 2019–2021

In July 2019, Madsen joined Toppserien club Vålerenga.
In 2020, she helped the team win the 2020 Norwegian Women's Cup. Madsen played in the championship match, a victory over LSK Kvinner.

### Madrid CFF, 2022

After playing two and a half seasons in Norway, Madsen signed with Spanish club Madrid CFF on 11 January 2022.

### North Carolina Courage, 2022–2023

Madsen joined the North Carolina Courage of the National Women's Soccer League in August 2022, with a contract lasting until the end of the 2023 season.
On 14 May 2023, Madsen notched her first NWSL assist with a pass to Tyler Lussi, who proceeded to score a goal. Madsen's assist helped the Courage triumph over the OL Reign with a 1-0 victory.
Madsen scored her first goal with the Courage on 27 May 2023. In the 53rd minute of a match against Racing Louisville FC, Madsen placed a header into the back of the net, contributing to a 2-1 win over the home team.
On 20 November 2023, the Courage announced that Madsen was offered a new contract by the club. On 10 January 2024, the Courage announced that Madsen would not be returning to the team for the 2024 NWSL season.

#### Melbourne Victory (loan), 2022-2023

On 17 December 2022, Melbourne Victory announced the signing of Madsen on loan from the Courage. Madsen joined as an injury replacement player for American forward Catherine Zimmerman, who had sustained a fractured fibula.
Madsen made her club debut for the Victory on 17 December 2022, in a match against the Newcastle Jets. She entered the game as a substitute and helped the Victory achieve a 5-2 win over their competitors.
Catherine Zimmerman's return from her fibula fracture concluded Madsen's injury replacement loan. Madsen returned to the Courage on 2 February 2023. In her time with the Victory, Madsen had appeared for the club 7 times and scored 1 goal.

### Everton, 2024–present

On 13 January 2024, Women's Super League club Everton announced the signing of Madsen on a contract lasting until June 2025. At the time, Madsen became the sixth Danish member of Everton's roster.
Madsen made her first appearance for the club on 13 January 2024, the same day she was signed. Madsen was brought off the bench as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, helping the team reach the fifth round of the FA Women's League Cup.
On 24 May 2024, Madsen announced she was pregnant with her first child, rendering her unavailable for the foreseeable future.

## Career statistics
### International goals

| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1. | 12 November 2019 | Viborg Stadium, Viborg, Denmark | Georgia | 14–0 | 14–0 | UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying |